As far as seasonal marketing strategies go, check out these great ideas for attracting more customers to your small business this summer.

Draw Attention to Your Outdoor Seating

For restaurants, bars and coffee shops, this means promoting your outdoor seating on your website and social media this summer to attract customers who want to enjoy their meal or a drink in the fresh air. 

Also, get the word out if your business features patio or deck amenities like large fans set up to support extra cooling and circulation. Or maybe you have patio umbrellas for customers to custom-shade their table during the day.

Further, if your business offers a pet-friendly area, be sure to share that info too — for those people looking to grab a quick drink or snack with their dog in tow. That could be a draw to local residents but also to potential customers passing through town on a summer road trip.

Optimize Mobile Experience

Your marketing strategies should already include being optimized for mobile experiences but doing so during the summer is crucial, as vacationers are searching in real-time for specific types of businesses, products and services while traveling in your area.

“Setting up mobile optimization during summer travel months is critical because consumers compress decision-making, relying heavily on smartphones for on-the-go bookings and in-the-moment navigation,” notes a post by Viamedia.ai, an ad tech company that provides omnichannel advertising solutions.

“A mobile-optimized digital experience ensures seamless accessibility, driving immediate conversions when people need it most.”

Sponsor or Set Up at a Community Event

Look for ways to get your small business involved in the fun times of summer in your area, whether it’s showing up at a local festival or event, or sponsoring a youth sports team. 

“Since people are spending more time outside, meet them where they’re at by sponsoring or hosting an outdoor summer event or festival,” suggests a blog by North Carolina-based Business High Point Chamber of Commerce.

“This can be a great way to meet other vendors and build trust in your local community while boosting your own brand awareness.”

Depending on your type of business, you could sign up for a table/booth at an area event or nearby festival to offer product samples or other summer-themed goods, taking advantage of the foot traffic to increase sales and promote your brand. 

Or, consider targeting smaller area gatherings this summer, like neighborhood block parties. Look into partnering with another local business to sponsor or participate alongside you.

Create Your Own Summer-Themed Event

Host your own promotional event this summer to draw potential customers to your business.

“People are itching to get out and soak up the summer sun. That makes it an ideal time to host an event,” says an article by the SBA. “Set up an in-store (or, better yet, outdoor) activity that showcases your products or services.”

To attract attention to your event, you could include a sidewalk sale, refreshments, kid-friendly activities, special “prizes” or products, or even fun summer music.

“Think sunshine, pool parties, and bonfires,” advises a blog by website design agency Simple Wolf Media. “By incorporating these fun themes into your small businesses summer marketing, you can boost your sales with the season.” 

Other summer marketing ideas for small businesses include using vivid colors, designs and taglines to your promotions online and to your physical store. Come up with new or feature products in go-together packs of summer-themed items, like water bottles, totes, travel games and snacks.

Looking ahead? See these 4 Essential Tips for Boosting Back-to-School Sales in Your Small Business and Pumpkin Spice and the Power of Seasonal Marketing for Small Businesses.